Iran and the United States resumed indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump warned of consequences if Tehran fails to reach a nuclear deal. Mediated by Oman, the discussions aim to avert potential military confrontation, with Iran expressing cautious optimism over what it perceives as a “more realistic” U.S. position.
Trump, who has previously threatened military action over Iran’s crackdown on protesters and its nuclear programme, told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal.” A prior diplomatic effort collapsed in June after Israeli strikes on Iranian targets triggered a 12-day conflict, in which the U.S. briefly participated in bombing Iranian nuclear sites.
Iranian officials emphasized the focus of the talks on nuclear issues alone. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, “From the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date… the U.S. position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one,” according to the IRNA news agency. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Omani counterpart in Geneva to discuss “nuclear issues and sanctions relief” and stressed Tehran’s commitment to result-oriented diplomacy to protect its people and regional peace.
Amid the negotiations, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil and gas route, to prepare for “potential security and military threats,” Iranian state TV reported. Washington has previously warned of Iran’s threats to block the strait.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for a deal, stating, “The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things.” Araghchi also reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy but warned there would be no “submission before threats.”
Technical discussions also took place with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, were confirmed in Geneva to support the negotiations. Trump reiterated on Friday that regime change in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen” and sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to increase military pressure.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated Tehran may consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if U.S. sanctions are eased, noting the economic strain caused by sanctions, rising prices, and currency depreciation. He added, “If we see the sincerity on their part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement.”
The talks come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspects aims at developing nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran denies. Both sides face pressure to reach a diplomatic solution while avoiding escalation in the region.
